10 From GEM: Easy And Unusual Last Minute Valentine’s Day Fun

10 From GEM:Easy And Unusual Last Minute Valentine’s Day Fun

Can you believe Valentine’s Day is just a few days away? We’re still trying to recover from Christmas around here! Maybe that’s why we’ve waited until the last minute to start thinking about creative ways to say “I love you”. Are you in the same boat? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Even though it’s too late to jet off to Paris for the weekend, here are 10, high-impact, low-fuss things you can do for your sweetie that don’t scream, “I’m a last-minute gift!”

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1. HANDMADE CARD

Creative Commons/KisforCalligraphy

This isn’t just any old ripped-from-a-notebook, grab-the-nearest-ink-pen kind of card. Get some craft materials from your kids or head to the store if your house doesn’t have supplies like cardstock, construction paper, markers, glitter, glue, etc. Your sweetie will LOVE a handmade card. Who can a resist something that you put your heart and soul into decorating and writing your own sweet nothings?

2. MEMORY BOX
IN THE MAKING

Creative Commons/RoseRibbon

Maybe your one and only hasn’t keep any mementos of your relationship, but there’s no reason why you can’t get the ball rolling and make a memory box—something that both of you can add to as time goes on. You need minimal craft skills here, too. Get a shoebox-size container with a lid. Decorate it however you like. Add the first memento like ticket stubs or pictures from your first date. When you’re old and gray, you’ll go through the box together and be glad you kept one.

3. FLOWER SEEDS

Creative Commons/PalsCreations

Flowers and plants that you put lots of thought into giving can be quite lovely. Do a twist on the traditional buying of flowers and buy several different types of flower seeds. Choose flowers not only for their beauty, but also what they represent. White camellias represent perfect loveliness and ivy represents fidelity. Plant the seeds yourself in pots and write the name of the flower and what it represents. This is a flower gift that will last beyond seven days.

4. SEND A BOUQUET

Creative Commons/lisadeng2

You thought we were talking about flowers, didn’t you? Where’s the creativity in that? For the same $40 you were going to spend on roses, you can buy a few supplies from a craft store (or use some materials around the house) and send a bouquet of candy, seashells, origami, faux jewels, ribbons, or feathers. Pinterest is overflowing with unique bouquet ideas.

6. VOLUNTEER TOGETHER

Creative Commons/chiricahua sky island

The big theme of Valentine’s Day is love, yet there are many people who can always use more of it. Together with your sweetheart, consider visiting nursing homes bearing gifts of cards and flowers or volunteering at a soup kitchen. Send messages of love and appreciation to unsung heroes like caregivers.

7. SHOW ME THE REASONS

Creative Commons/lilivanili

You love your honey, but does he really know why? Does he/she need a reminder? When your honey wakes up on Valentine’s morning, make sure the first thing he/she sees is a note giving the first reason your love endures. Post messages all over the house with all the big and small things you love about your honey. Don’t forget to leave a few notes in the car, in the lunch you packed, and the purse or day planner. Send text messages and emails, too.

8. BALLOON SURPRISES

Creative Commons/Paige007

Why should kids have all the fun with balloons? Your beloved will love coming home to a houseful of strategically placed balloons. Take it to the next level and have a surprise in each balloon, like a piece of candy or a token that represents something about your relationship—maybe a seashell from your walk on the beach or the fortune from a cookie.

9. VISIT A SMALL TOWN

Creative Commons/cindy47452

Small towns are charming and have a certain character that’s hard to find in big cities. Take a trip to a town near you—preferably one that you and your significant other have never visited—and find all that that town has to offer. Visit their unique restaurants and shops. Don’t forget to check out its museums and parks. You never know what jewels you may find.

10. GO ON A PROGRESSIVE
DINNER DATE

Creative Commons/Beth {Mama & More}

This date is potentially time-consuming, but who better to spend all that time than with your love? You can do a progressive dinner date several different ways. Have drinks, appetizers, the main course, and dessert in four different places. Or visit different restaurants and eat just appetizers or just desserts.

Alexis Trass Walker lives in Gary, Indiana, with her husband and four children. She is a stay at home mom and writer who loves all things chocolate. After years of shyness, she is a recovering wallflower who understands that a smile goes a long way. Read more about Alexis on her blog lilliebelle.org.

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